Psychological development and intervention strategies in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Abstract

This research project arises from questioning and scientific and theoretical implications arising from the completion of the dissertation of Folquitto (2009), granted by FAPESP (Process 06/58652-0). This research investigated the psychological development of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), finding evidence of lags in cognitive development, particularly in the construction of the notion of time. It was found that the use of medication was not effective enough to propel the development of this population, since there were no significant differences in performance between groups of children with ADHD (using or not making use of drugs) during application of Piagetian tests. The hypothesis of this project as a result of the above, is it possible to provide, based on Piaget's theory of the acquisition of knowledge, experiences that facilitate the construction of cognitive and affective capabilities that provide a breakthrough in the development of children with ADHD? It is possible, through problem situations, games and play interactions, facilitate the emergence of more elaborate procedures, and organization of these in a progressive manner, assisting in the development process and overcoming the cognitive deficits observed? Thus, this research project's main objective is to develop a method of intervention that could set yourself up as an auxiliary tool in the development of children with this disorder.